Rafael Nadal has had to endure an emotionally painful absence from tennis for over 10 months due to his longstanding recovery process from a psoas muscle tear incurred at the 2023 Australian Open.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the Spaniard’s return by echoing a chorus of support for the 22-time grand slam champion whenever he posts a picture of himself practicing tennis on social media. Recently, the tennis legend has revealed his dream player that combines traits of Federer, Djokovic and Alcaraz.
Rafael Nadal creates his dream player
In a recent interview, Rafael Nadal created his perfect player, mentioning some of his greatest rivals and other names. Rafa praised Novak Djokovic’s backhand and Roger Federer’s forehand, Carlos Alcaraz’s fitness, and Radek Stepanek’s volley which were safe picks.
The most astonishing of them was Ivo Karlovic, who was honored as the most excellent server, with Rafa explaining it’s almost impossible to return his serve. The Spanish star picked himself as the player with the right mentality and determination, always giving everything despite injuries and setbacks.
Nadal, while explaining his perfect player, said, “For backhand, I have to go with Novak Djokovic. He can defend very well from that wing and attack down the line and crosscourt, with plenty of options during the rallies.”
“I must pick Roger Federer’s forehand, as he takes the ball very early and creates winners from every part of the court. Roger can hit his forehand flat or add some spin; it’s a powerful weapon. I believe Ivo Karlovic’s serve is the strongest initial shot in the game,” Nadal explained.
“When Ivo serves well, which is the case in almost every match, the returner cannot create any chances. He is tall, with a proper serve technique that sends the ball far away from your racquet. It’s like a penalty in football, only even more difficult,” he added.
Rafael Nadal says 2024 likely to be his last year playing tennis
Tennis star and legend Rafael Nadal has revealed that there is a good chance that 2024 could be his last year in the sport as he prepares for a comeback. The 37-yaer-old star has won 22 Grand Slams and 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles, four below Novak Djokovic with 40.
Nadal has not featured in any competition since he was knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open by Mackenzie McDonald, picking up a hip-flexor injury during the match. He announced after the surgery that he would be back for the Roland Garros but that didn’t work out well, as he has missed over nine months of the season.
Speaking about 2024 being his last season, Rafael Nadal explained, “There are chances that it may only be half a year, there are possibilities that it may be a full year, there are possibilities that we may not be able to reach all that.”
“These are things right now that I do not have the capacity to be able to answer, this is the truth. I am only in conditions to say that I return to compete that I continue having in my head that the normal thing or that there are many possibilities, that it is my last year, and I am going to enjoy the tournaments in that way,” he added.
The Spaniard confirmed earlier that he will make his return in Brisbane International early next year but has also released a series of videos on social media where he has explained more about his injury and his active tough practice for a successful return.
